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Artwork for Professor of Rock

Professor of Rock

Gamut Podcast Network
I Love Rock N' Roll
Joan Jett
Blinded By the Light
Bruce Springsteen
Jukebox
Rock Music
Manfred Mann's Earth Band
Eye Of the Tiger
The Runaways
House Of the Rising Sun
Amanda
Boston
Gregg Allman
Midnight Rider
Alan Merrill
Mickey Most
Kenny Laguna
Jake Hooker
The Animals
Eric Burdon

The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-th... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes1580Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Music

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Artwork for Professor of Rock

Latest Episodes

In honor of the great Steven Tyler's 78th birthday, we bring you back to this classic from 2021.

In the early 70s 'the bad boys of Boston” know as Aerosmith were a maelstrom of chaos, and chemically induced tension. The leaders Steven Tyler and Joe ... more

Coming up, we’re temporarily trading in the studio album cuts for the “in concert” experience. On this episode, we’re counting down 7 classic live tracks that have surpassed their original recordings. Classic songs that are even better in concert. W... more

Coming up, today’s band Foreigner took a frigid walk through New York City in minus 20-degree weather to nail down their classic 70s song Cold as Ice… a top 10 single about a gold-digging ice queen. A lot of people have wondered through the years if ... more

Coming up on Professor of Rock, we’re diving back to 70s to rediscover 10 hits that were brilliantly crafted for their era—so of course they never quite faded away. But they are stuck in that wonderful decade. We’ll spotlight a duet that rewired the ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Tony Hadley
Frontman of Spandau Ballet
Spandau Ballet
Episode: Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet Interview: The Story of “True”… and the Boy Band Hit That Copied It
Neil Sedaka
Legendary singer-songwriter
Self / Music Industry
Episode: The Life and Legacy of Neil Sedaka
Ann Wilson
Lead singer from Heart, discussed as part of Almost Paradise collaboration
Heart
Episode: FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Mike Reno
Lead singer of Loverboy, contributed to Almost Paradise vocal
Loverboy
Episode: FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Kenny Loggins
Singer of the title track and central figure in the soundtrack
Self
Episode: FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Deniece Williams
Singer of Let's Hear It For the Boy
Self
Episode: FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Dean Pitchford
Lyricist and screenwriter for Footloose
Footloose (Screenplay/Songs)
Episode: FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
George Duke
Producer/keyboardist who worked on the Footloose soundtrack
George Duke
Episode: FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Eric Burdon
Lead singer of The Animals, key figure in the story of House of the Rising Sun
The Animals
Episode: The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun”..: Who Really Wrote It?

Host

Adam Reader
Host of Professor of Rock; music historian and show creator focused on rock history and storytelling.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 205 ratings
  • Great way to start the day

    I absolutely love this podcast. Listen to it every morning when I walk my dogs. I find myself stopping to forward episodes to friends I grew up with. Great diversity of topics and great insights into the stories behind the music. I’ve been trying to come up with my top 10 song list based on that episode. I’ve shared that with my son and my father and several friends. Keep up the great work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Papa Bart 26
    United Statesa month ago
  • Well done!

    Outstanding Podcast! Easy to listen to and so very informative.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mrvvtbuilder
    United States2 months ago
  • Grammy Awards

    Hi there my guy.

    I’ve had to find more of your stuff cuz I watched every YouTube video on your site there.

    Loved everyone. Your content w/ Ace Freely from KISS was amazing so sad to hear him say that he is ready to go for another 5,10,15years cuz he’s got good genes. And the next year after your video he died…. We lost a lot of my heroes this year and ACE just put a cap on it. Please keep it up and you will be missed if you stop anytime soon.

    Thank you for all you do it’s all appreciate... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    chefjohnie
    United States4 months ago
  • ELO

    I sincerely appreciate the recognition of Jeff Lynne’s greatness in your review. I don’t feel you concentrated enough on Lynne’s gift of melody in his writing. All the rest of what he is would not be possible if you took that away. Every so often someone in pop music comes along whose gift of melody is obvious (McCartney, Dylan, Carole King, more recently Prince). Jeff Lynne is in that company.

    Anyway, I appreciate and enjoy your your work. And by the way, all of Pink Floyd instead of ELO? Maybe... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    kelbaby1
    United States5 months ago
  • Rock On!

    Three chords and the truth.

    Enough said.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Otho67
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans appreciate authoritative histories and the host's infectious passion for music.
Many note the show's ability to make complex production stories accessible and entertaining.
Listeners praise the show's depth, engaging storytelling, and strong behind-the-scenes access.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#76
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#84
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#140
Australia/Music
Apple Podcasts
#139
Israel/Music
Apple Podcasts
#140
New Zealand/Music
Apple Podcasts
#152
Saudi Arabia/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet Interview: The Story of “True”… and the Boy Band Hit That Copied It
Q: What was it in your life that kicked open the door to your mind and made you want to pursue music?
Hadley describes early influences from Sinatra and classic vocalists, plus his school band experiences and a decisive moment of hearing different styles that shaped his approach to singing and performance.
The Life and Legacy of Neil Sedaka
Q: Looking back on your life, your personal life, and your career, what are you most grateful for right now?
Sedaka expresses gratitude for leaving a lasting musical legacy, family, and friends, and emphasizes that his contributions to American music and his ability to blend classical and popular styles are what he's most grateful for.
FROM THE VAULT: The Story Behind the "Footloose" Soundtrack
Q: Tell me about how the duet Almost Paradise came together.
Ann Wilson and Mike Reno collaborated after a desire to pair a powerful male-female vocal dynamic with a tender love theme, with internal discussions and a memorable first take establishing the chemistry that carried the track to success.
The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun”..: Who Really Wrote It?
Q: Why did you change the perspective from a female to a male narrator, and how did that affect the song's message?
Changing to a male narrator made the story feel more immediate and relatable to the band's audience at the time, helping it to land as a working-class anthem and aligning with the rock energy we were cultivating.
The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun”..: Who Really Wrote It?
Q: What was your interpretation of the lyrics?
I saw several layers to the song, with meanings ranging from personal longing to broader social and economic struggles, and I felt the narrative could be reshaped to connect with a wider audience while preserving its core emotional impact.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Professor of Rock

What is Professor of Rock about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dive into rock history built around exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from legendary artists, producers, and songwriters. Episodes center on how iconic tracks were created, the human dynamics behind collaborations, and the cultural impact of memorable songs, with narrative threads that weave production choices, studio anecdotes, and personal memories into a richer understanding of classic rock and pop culture eras. Notable strengths include high-profile guests, in-depth storytelling, and a clear focus on the artistry and storytelling behind hits, making it a compelling listen for fans who want the stories behind the music. A standout is the consistent emphasis on the intersection of music, film, and culture, often fe... more

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How many episodes of Professor of Rock are there?

Professor of Rock launched a year ago and published 1580 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Professor of Rock?

Recent guests on Professor of Rock include:

1. Tony Hadley
2. Neil Sedaka
3. Ann Wilson
4. Mike Reno
5. Kenny Loggins
6. Deniece Williams
7. Dean Pitchford
8. George Duke

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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